Eden now accepting applications for its biggest-ever apprenticeship programme

The pizza-making workshop, run by Eden’s chefs, at the apprenticeship open day (picture taken by Jed Langdon)

Applications are now being accepted for the Eden Project’s new apprenticeship scheme which will result in 20-25 new jobs. The new apprenticeship scheme is being run in partnership with The Cornwall College Group and its specialist Rural Environment arm Duchy College. The programme will see the paid apprentices working across a range of different teams including horticulture, vehicle maintenance, hospitality, the visitor experience, media and creative design.

Eden has previously employed a number of apprentices but this will be the most recruited at a single time.

On Saturday May 17, Eden hosted a well-attended welcome day for those interested in applying. St. Austell and Newquay MP Stephen Gilbert was there to lend his support.

Stephen said: “The Eden Project has a well-deserved reputation for growing plants from around the world. It's great that they are now investing in growing young local talent through a significant expansion of the apprenticeship schemes in place."

David Harland, Eden’s joint executive director, said: “We had a great turn-out at the open day and everyone was very pleased with the excellent candidates who came in to see us.

“There are lots of very able, enthusiastic people out there and we’re confident that this new apprenticeship scheme will enhance Eden as well as helping talented people attain a qualification and valuable experience in the workplace.”

Eden’s apprentices will learn an occupation through a combination of working at the project and taking part in off the job training and development delivered with Cornwall College. The apprentices will work across six teams.

The apprenticeships are open to motivated people aged 16 and over with any level of qualification, who are looking for a structured opportunity to learn and earn at the same time.

Eden’s apprenticeships will be full time, for a period of up to two years. Apprentices will be paid and expected to work 40 hours a week, which will generally be four days a week at Eden and one day in off-the-job training either at the College or on the Eden site.

Applications for the Eden Project apprenticeship scheme are now open and will close on Monday June 30. Anyone who is interested in applying should go to www.edenproject.com/apprenticeships or call the Eden Project recruitment line on 01726 811967.